Retail Warehouse Vacancy Falls to New Record Low in Q2 2026

The UK retail warehouse market continued to strengthen in Q2 2026, with availability and vacancy rates falling further as supply remains constrained.

Total available retail warehouse space reduced to 9.27 million sq. ft., down from 9.56 million sq. ft. at the end of 2025, driven by a decline in second-hand availability.

Meanwhile, newly built available space remained virtually unchanged at 0.12 million sq. ft.

The overall vacancy rate reached a new record low of 4.7%, down from 4.8% in Q4 2025.

Open Non-Food schemes recorded the strongest improvement, with vacancy falling from 5.1% to 4.7%, while Bulky Goods/Restricted schemes tightened further from 4.1% to 3.5%. Open A1 schemes saw a marginal increase in vacancy, rising slightly from 5.2% to 5.3%.

Looking ahead, the development pipeline remains limited, with just 0.54 million sq. ft. of consented space expected to be delivered over the next two years, broadly unchanged from the previous quarter. Total retail warehouse stock has also remained effectively static at around 199 million sq. ft., highlighting the continued lack of new supply.

With demand continuing to absorb existing space and development activity remaining subdued, the retail warehouse sector continues to demonstrate its resilience, supporting strong occupational fundamentals across the market.

To meet growing demand for the research, Trevor Wood Associates has expanded their online Definitive Guide platform to complement its reviews and run alongside its existing database products.

For further information please contact:

Liz Williamson, Trevor Wood Associates 01494 715846 liz@trevorwoodassociates.co.uk